30 Jan 2022
Flexeril, also known as Cyclobenzaprine, is a muscle relaxer. When you have pain in your body, Flexeril can reduce it.
You may be curious about what exactly is Fibromyalgia. Well, it is a condition where a person suffers from muscle and joint pain and experiences some fatigue levels. This condition is non-curable. However, with proper physiotherapy and medications, Fibromyalgia can be controlled.
Can You Take Flexeril For Fibromyalgia?
The FDA disapproves of Flexeril for treating Fibromyalgia, but it is commonly prescribed off-label. Skeletal muscle relaxants like Flexeril and Zanaflex are frequently used to treat Fibromyalgia.
Norepinephrine is a substance present in the brain and spinal cord that reduces pain signals sent to the brain. Flexeril is responsible for increasing Norepinephrine levels that ultimately result in lowering the pain signals sent to the brain.
It is also found that Flexeril helps in better sleep due to its sedative effects.
At Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, USA, there was a systematic review for the effectiveness of Flexeril for the treatment of Fibromyalgia.
Articles were obtained from Medline, EMBase, Pyclit, and a few other databases that described placebo-controlled trials of cyclobenzaprine in people with Fibromyalgia. Some unpublished works of literature were also reviewed.
The trials showed improvements in pain, but there were no improvements in fatigue levels. The patients treated with Flexeril showed three times more pain levels and sleep improvements (Treatment of fibromyalgia with cyclobenzaprine).
Dosage
The dosage of Flexeril for Fibromyalgia depends. Typically, a beginning dose of Flexeril 5 mg and maintenance of 10 mg is given to most patients with Fibromyalgia. Sometimes, other cyclobenzaprine products may be prescribed 1 mg as an initial and 4 mg as a maintenance dosage.
Flexeril is given off-label, so there is not a fixed prescription for treating Fibromyalgia (Treatment of fibromyalgia with cyclobenzaprine).
How Long Does It Take For Flexeril To Work For Fibromyalgia?
Flexeril takes about 30 mins to start working. However, for most patients, an hour is usually required for this medication to show some effects. Some people may see overall benefits in a few days (Treatment of fibromyalgia with cyclobenzaprine).
What If You Miss A Dose?
It is essential to take the dosage as suggested by your healthcare professional. If you miss a dose, do not take two doses together simultaneously. You can skip a dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. Follow your doctor’s advice to avoid overdosing on Flexeril.
What If You Overdose?
You should immediately call the emergency helpline number for your respective area.
For example, 999 in the UK and 911 in the US are their respective helpline numbers.
If it’s not too severe, you can consult your doctor as soon as possible and always try to remember the dosage as advised.
Who Should Not Take Flexeril?
You must tell your doctor if you are allergic to Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine). It is also necessary that you inform your doctor about your medical history and pre-existing medical conditions before starting a new treatment.
The use of Flexeril must be taken with extra caution by the people suffering from the following health conditions:
- People suffering from the overactive thyroid gland
- Wide-angle glaucoma
- Those who have heart issues
- Liver or bladder problems
There are other conditions not mentioned in this article that can worsen the effects of Flexeril.
Avoid These While On Flexeril
Getting intoxicated with alcohol is not advised when using Flexeril. That may cause an increase in dizziness and also causes a lack of motor functioning.
Using heavy machinery or driving your car is not suggested, as this medication may have a sedative effect on your body. Older people may be more sensitive to Flexeril and must take extra precautions while using it.
When starting with a new drug, always take extra precautions and consult your doctor if you are confused.
Side Effects
Every medication comes with benefits and also some side effects to it. Here are some side effects of Flexeril:
- Irregular heartbeats
- Dry mouth
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Stomach issues such as diarrhea, constipation, or nausea
- Confusion
There are other side effects not mentioned in this article.
Some of these side effects may require medical attention, while some won’t. However, it is always better to see a doctor if you are suffering from any side effects due to the medicine.
Conclusion
Flexeril is a widely prescribed medicine that treats pain and relaxes muscles. Interestingly, this medication is also used to help with a condition called Fibromyalgia off-label. This medication is inexpensive and is available easily at local stores and online pharmacies.
